Dogs upbeat despite winless AFL pre-season

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is upbeat heading into the AFL premiership season despite failing to win either of his side's pre-season matches.

Bulldogs coach LUKE BEVERIDGE talk to players during the AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs at The Gabba in Brisbane, Australia. Picture:Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The Western Bulldogs will go into their AFL round-one clash with Sydney without a pre-season win, but coach Luke Beveridge will consider the preparation a raging success if Aaron Naughton thrives as a key forward.

The exciting defender was redeployed to the attacking 50 against St Kilda on Sunday in Ballarat and returned three goals in an eye-catching display in the 14.9 (93) to 12.7 (79) loss in front of 4384 fans at Mars Stadium.

"If you're trying to forecast or crystal ball what sort of player Aaron Naughton might be 12 or 24 months from now as a key forward, he could be anything," Beveridge said.

Richmond trailed Hawthorn by 40 points at halftime in Launceston but came roaring home on Saturday night in a 14.11 (95) to 13.9 (87) victory.

Sydney kicked seven-straight goals either side of halftime at Oakes Oval in Lismore on Sunday on their way to a 19.9 (123) to 11.15 (81) win over Gold Coast.

Geelong kicked off the round on Thursday night with a 15.11 (101) to 11.7 (73) win over Essendon at GMHBA Stadium. Adelaide scored their second pre-season win with a 10.15 (75) to 7.15 (57) victory on Friday night over GWS in Canberra.

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